BROCKTON -FROM ENTERPRISE
Even before the vote tally gave him a spot on the ballot in November, mayoral challenger Ronald P. Matta came out swinging Tuesday night.
Matta, who will try to unseat Mayor Linda Balzotti, claimed the city’s budget is flush with cash, that Chief Financial Officer John Condon has been “lying to us” about the city being broke and asked for Condon’s resignation.
Matta pointed to the audited financial statement of the city from June 30, 2010, which shows a budget surplus of $19.2 million and $122 million in cash and investments.
“They’ve got $19 million and they won’t put police on the street,” Matta said. “I’m asking for (Condon’s) resignation. He’s been lying to us.”
Asked Wednesday about the accusations, Condon pointed out that the city’s audited financial statement is prepared by his office, which would mean he approved the figures that Matta cited.
He went on to defend his position that the city is not in strong financial shape, explaining that surpluses at the end of the year are certified as “free cash” and pay for city services in future budgets.
Seventeen million dollars of free cash from last year’s budget is being used to balance this year’s budget, while this year’s surplus will be used to balance next year’s budget.
Likewise, Condon said the $122 million in net assets is a combination of the stabilization fund, free cash and other accounts, only a portion of which the Department of Local Revenue will allow the city to spend.
“What’s available to be spent on that balance sheet gets spent,” he said.
“This guy has a high school education. I’ve got a Wharton MBA and 22 years (in this position),” Condon said. “To say I’m lying? That’s outrageous.”
Matta was not convinced, saying he wants in “independent audit” of Condon’s department.
“ I want to know where every single penny went,” Matta said.
Erik Potter may be reached at epotter@enterprisenews.com.
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Read more: http://www.enterprisenews.com/archive/x2137970636/Mayoral-challenger-Matta-blasts-city-s-chief-financial-officer-in-Brockton#ixzz1YgTQpuuI
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